An Interview with Minnesota Author Emily Schneider

Today on the blog, we're thrilled to welcome Minnesota author, Emily Schneider for a cozy chat about her powerful novel, The Heart Shot. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering her work for the first time, you're in for a treat as we dive into the inspiration behind the book.

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself and your books?

I'm a multi-award winning self-published author with 6 books currently out in the world (one fantasy trilogy and one romcom trilogy of standalones), and the seventh one (a new series) is hopefully coming this fall. I write closed door fantasy romance and romantic comedies. 

2. What's a day in the life for you as a writer?

My writer life looks a lot different right now thanks to my beautiful 13 month old lol. Most of the day I'm taking care of her or doing things around the house, so  I currently write in little pockets during the day when I can find the time, usually during her nap time or in the evening after she goes to bed. 

3. You have kids, so how do you find the motivation and dedication to get writing time as well? Super motivating to see you thriving with family life and your books! So exciting!

If I didn't love writing so much, it would be really hard to get any done lol. My family is my first priority, but writing also brings me a lot of joy, so I try to make it fit somewhere, even if it's only thirty minutes a day. The stories I write often consume a lot of my thoughts, so I have to get them on paper at some point, it just takes a little extra creativity to find the time (and motivation when you're exhausted) to do so. 

4. What advice do you have for author moms? When it comes to being an author boss and mom boss? :) 

Do what you can, and take the pressure of yourself. Life is so much different once you have kids. I used to be able to write all day every day, and now I can't. At first, that was really hard because I felt like I was falling behind. But once I mentally changed my priorities, it's been a lot better. I have to work slower right now in this season of life, and even if I don't like it, I have to accept it. Family will always come first. My biggest advice is just to do your best in the time you have, and don't compare yourself to other author moms. Everyone's life is a little different, and it's easy to feel like you're doing too little compared to someone else. One of my favorite quotes is: "just because someone is finishing before you doesn't mean they're replacing you." That's been a huge thing for me to remember. Your readers will always be there. Take care of yourself and your family first.

5. Can you tell me a little more about your book, The Heart Shot?

The Heart Shot is a sweet, closed door romantic comedy. It's about two strangers who are forced to do a couples photoshoot and sparks may or may not fly between them. If you love Fall themed dates, and a relatable awkward FMC, and the swooniest MMC you'll ever meet, you'll love THS.

6. Since this is called the Romance Reading Roadtrip, and we are visiting Minnesota with this interview, are there ways that you bring your state, the state culture, and more into your books? If so, what did you bring into your books and characters that is very Minnesota?

While the book doesn't take place in MN, it does take place in Iowa which is almost the same lol. There's a few cutesy Midwest things that pop up (throughout all 3 standalones in the series too).

7. What comes first when you're writing? The character or the plot? And why?

I get pieces of both usually. I'll get a picture in my head of a specific scene in the book, and then I'll attempt to plot the rest of the book around that. That's how my next book started. I had a vision of the inciting incident one day, and then I ran with it, trying to create the fantasy world first, and then the plot. Usually the details about the characters are the last thing I figure out. 

8. I know this question is a love hate type of question for authors, but where do you get your inspiration? And what inspired you for your book The Heart Shot?

I get a lot of my inspiration from reading other books, but also from brainstorming with my husband and friends. They always have never ending ideas for me, and I couldn't do this without them. A reel on IG actually inspired The Heart Shot. One of my readers sent me a reel of a stranger photoshoot and I was like THIS WOULD BE AN AMAZING BOOK, and I ran with it. I think that was the fastest book I've ever written.

9. Are you working on anything new?

Beneath the Flames is my newest book. It's a NA Fantasy Romance (sans spice), and it's a beauty and the beast retelling. It's tentatively releasing this Fall. 

10. If you were to go on a roadtrip what's the one book you'd bring with you? And why?

That's an impossible question lol. The first one that comes to mind is The Prison Healer. It's one of my current favorites.

11. If the main characters from your book were to go on a roadtrip where would they go?

My fantasy characters would probably go somewhere where they can get lost in the woods, where no one can find them. My romcom characters would probably take a roadtrip to a beach in Florida.

12. And what snacks and/or drinks would they bring with them?

Donuts and coffee for sure lol.

13. As a part of the roadtrip, what things in your state would you recommend people check out if they ever vacation, travel through, or come to Minnesota? 

Check out local coffee shops! Minnesota has the best ones! Definitely check out Ember Coffee Co in Big Lake, MN. The best coffee I've ever had.

14. Any good food or coffee recommendations in your area of Minnesota that are very Minnesota?

I mean, I'm not a state fair person, but you can find very Midwest things at the MN state fair at the end of august lol. 

15. And then where can people find you and your books?

All of my books are available directly on my website emilyschneiderwrites.com! I also post updates on books in progress there as well! And of course on IG @emilyschneiderwrites